Atari unveils new Atari VCS video game system

The Atari CVS is inspired by the original Atari 2600 from four decades ago.ATARI

A new Atari video game system is on its way.

Previously known as the "Ataribox," the newly-unveiled Atari CVS is inspired by the iconic silhouette of the original Atari 2600 Video Computer System. Atari calls it a "skillful blend of modern lines and reverential details" as it combines its classic look with contemporary content technology and new innovation.

While the Atari VCS will serve up lots of classic content, Atari says it is so much more than just a “retro-box” as it's also a connected device designed for today’s living room. In fact, Atari intends its new video computer system to change the way users interact with their TV, just as the original Atari 2600 Video Computer System first did more than 40 years ago.

“Every person at Atari and every partner involved with the new platform is just as fanatical about the brand and its heritage as our biggest fans are,” explained Michael Arzt, Atari COO of Connected Devices. “With the Atari VCS name, we know how important it is to get everything completely right and that’s why we briefly paused an imminent launch late last year. It was a difficult decision with the countdown underway, but we weren’t willing to go forward with even one thing out of alignment. We hope that Atari’s fans appreciate our extreme attention to detail and are as excited about the Atari VCS as we are.”

Atari has not yet said when gamers can get their own Atari CVS, but prototypes of the system, including both a classic joystick and a modern controller, are being shown this week at GDC 2018 in San Francisco.